OTHER BREEDS:

We've included this breed here on www.longtail-fowl.com because it is such an extremely exotic and beautiful fowl. This remarkable fowl was developed and named for the village of Cemani in central Java. Breeds that exhibit hyperpigmenttaion in its fully pooled form known as fibromelanosis are treasured in Asian and indonesian cultures. The Chinese hold that eating the meat of Silkies, a more well known fibromenanistic breed, is healthy and beneficial for women after child birth. The dark, rich, near-black meat of birds with this trait is thought to be higher in iron than normal.

Unlike the Chinese Silkie, the Ayam Cemani has a single comb and harder plumage. The permeation of the unique pigment is not mearly skin deep. It goes not only down through the meat to the bones, but through even to the marrow. The breed is truely black inside and out; the toenails, tongue, meat, internal organs, and bones are all black. This remarkable fowl was developed and named for the village of Cemani in central Java.

The Javanese people believe these fowl possess mystical powers. Even if not the case, a traditionally prepared meal of dressed, whole Cemani is a site to behold as the tastefully presented bird appears at first glace to be chared. In fact, its own pigmentation while on the serving plate give way to this false assumption. As it's actually been cooked for the proper duration at a quite acceptable temperature.

The three images above are courtesy of Toni-Marie Astin, Onagadori South Feather Farm, Georgia, USA.

The photos below are from various other breeders in Asia and Europe.

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